Bread makers were a staple in my house growing up — and these 7 machines are must-haves

I grew up making bread every Sunday for dinner, so I know a thing or two about bread makers. Here are my 7 top picks (and most are on sale!)

bread makers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Don't call it a comeback – bread makers have been here. While this old-fashioned machine is making a huge resurgence, I first-hand can attest to its longevity. Dating back to my childhood years, I remember dedicating hours on end to our family's go-to bread machine, assisting my dad with our weekly Sunday dinner. 

From french-inspired loaves to whole grain individual rolls, the options were as endless as the customizable features on the bread maker itself! To the point, when I rented my first grown-up apartment, a bread maker was the first investment piece I made. After all, how couldn't it be? This timeless tradition is something I loved as a child, and as I grow older, I too hope to pass it down to my future children one day. 

But what if that 'someday' for me is 'today' for shoppers? Well, in that case, I'm here to help everyone out. 

There are dozens (and I mean dozens) of bread makers on the market, and separating the good from the bad is no easy vice. Over the years, the best bread makers have evolved. 

Nowadays, shoppers are left to mull over so many features and functions, from size to capacity and even bread style too. (Back then, our bread machine had one universal setting, and it was our job to divide the pieces up for smaller portions or bulk it up for larger ones). 

Now, shoppers can choose from machines that include everything from gluten-free to whole grain textures, and some that offer up to 14 different styles of bread. And if you're starting to feel a little overwhelmed? Not an issue: we're here to help. 

Continue scrolling to see the top seven bread makers available on the market. 

bread makers

(Image credit: Williams Sonoma)

<a href="https://williams-sonoma.pdy5.net/c/221109/265127/4291?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Fcuisinart-bread-maker%2F%3FcatalogId%3D44%26" data-link-merchant="williams-sonoma.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cuisinart Bread Maker l Was $185, Now $109.95, at Williams Sonoma

Short on time but love the idea of homemade bread? If so, this <a href="https://williams-sonoma.pdy5.net/c/221109/265127/4291?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Fcuisinart-bread-maker%2F%3FcatalogId%3D44%26" data-link-merchant="williams-sonoma.com"" data-link-merchant="williams-sonoma.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cuisinart machine is perfect for you — and every other busy cook out there. Its advanced features are compact, while its countertop-friendly design can seamlessly transfer in-and-out of your rotation and includes 12 pre-programmed menu options for fast-and-effective use. Users can select from a variety of sizes, crust shades, and even gluten-free choices, too.

bread makers

(Image credit: Macy's)

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-15623069?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.macys.com/shop/product/hamilton-beach-artisan-dough-bread-maker?ID=6664101&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN" data-link-merchant="macys.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker l Was $112.99, Now $93.99, at Macy's 

Become a master at made-from-scratch bread with minimal effort with this top-rated <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-15623069?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.macys.com/shop/product/hamilton-beach-artisan-dough-bread-maker?ID=6664101&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN" data-link-merchant="macys.com"" data-link-merchant="macys.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bread maker. Just add ingredients, select the cycle, and press start. Among 14 programmed settings, users will choose from a variety of bread and doughs, and the non-stick pan lifts out for easy bread removal and cleaning.

bread makers

(Image credit: Walmart)

<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FHamilton-Beach-2-lb-Digital-Bread-Maker-Model-29881%2F16503557%3F" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hamilton Beach 2lb Digital Bread Maker l Was $69.99, Now $49.99, at Walmart

Another Hamilton Beach favorite. This powerful digital<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FHamilton-Beach-2-lb-Digital-Bread-Maker-Model-29881%2F16503557%3F" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> bread maker, offering both features and settings: for French, gluten-free, quick bread, sweet bread, 1.5lb express, 2lb express, dough, jam, cake, whole grain, and a simple bake function for those who prefer to knead and rise separately.

bread makers

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FMOOSOO-Automatic-Gluten-Free-Homemade-Accessory%2Fdp%2FB089T1JDBB%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOSOO MAX 3.5LB Bread Machine for $139.99, at Amazon

For anyone looking for a larger option, this 3.5lb <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FMOOSOO-Automatic-Gluten-Free-Homemade-Accessory%2Fdp%2FB089T1JDBB%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bread maker is perfection. Not only can you serve larger groups, but you will be able to do so in just an hour and a half, due to its rapid speed technology! The 850W ultra-high power and double stirring blade work overtime, making this machine top-of-the-line.

bread makers

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSchmitt-Stainless-Settings-Dispenser-Nonstick%2Fdp%2FB0839PKH18%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pohl Schmitt Stainless Steel Bread Machine Bread Maker l Was $109.99, Now $87.97, at Amazon

Want a machine that's quick and easy but also offers all the bells and whistles? Seemingly, if that's the case <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSchmitt-Stainless-Settings-Dispenser-Nonstick%2Fdp%2FB0839PKH18%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this bread maker is perfect for you. With 14 available settings, users can (and will) make everything from whole grain bread to quick bread and even cake. The options are as endless as this bread maker's features. 

bread makers

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FElite-Gourmet-Maxi-Matic-EBM8103B-Programmable%2Fdp%2FB08BSP4GL1%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B Programmable Bread Maker  l Was $74.99, Now $64.99, at Amazon

Make fresh foolproof artisan loaves of bread courtesy of this must-have <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FElite-Gourmet-Maxi-Matic-EBM8103B-Programmable%2Fdp%2FB08BSP4GL1%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">machine. This elite machine will make anything from 1lb loaves to 2lb loaves and features 19 pre-set recipes and a 15 hour time. It's fast, effective, and fabulous all at once! 

bread makers

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FWest-Bend-47413-Bread-3-Pound%2Fdp%2FB07D82LJ4Q%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">West Bend Programmable Horizontal Dual Blade with 12 Programs Including Gluten-Free, 3-Pound for $130.25, at Amazon

Last but not least, are you a baker looking for a full range of options and customizations? If so, this <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FWest-Bend-47413-Bread-3-Pound%2Fdp%2FB07D82LJ4Q%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">3lb machine is for you. This bread maker features dual-kneaded blades to knead for a lighter taste and higher rise, while 12 digital settings offer versatility within tase and type. Factor in the pasta dough feature? Consider us all sold! 

Brittany Romano

Brittany Romano is a Shopping Editor, based in New York City. From her start as a fashion market assistant at Marie Claire to building a highly profitable commerce vertical at Us Weekly and AMI brands, Brittany has produced award-winning content covering everything from celebrity beauty hacks to must-have items from online sales. She is a graduate of New England College. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brittany indulging in yet another DIY project or cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins. 

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